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Seven Factors You Must Check Before Buying Your Notebook/Laptop February 2, 2007

Posted by to_yahoo_and_google in Web 2.0.
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Size – This is one case where size does matter! It’s the
main reason you’re considering buying a notebook or laptop in
the first place. You want something that’s lightweight, portable
and versatile; to carry on your next business trip, to take to
class, or to move from room to room in your home with ease.

Choosing the right size notebook or laptop for your needs does
take some consideration. However, your job is made easier because
notebooks and laptops have been categorized for you . They are grouped
according to size. Here’s a quick rundown:

Tablet PC (smallest) Size of a paper tablet or notepad, less than 3 pounds.

Ultra Portable (small) 13″ x >11″ More than 1.5 inches, more than 7 pounds and up

Please note – the weight here is without the power adapters and accessories
that may be needed with your notebook. Add 2 to 3 pounds for these extras.

Hard Drive and others – What size hard drive do you need?
Drives are increasing as notebooks become more compact and more
powerful. You’ll need only a 20GB or 30GB for most tasks on your
notebook. If you handle large graphics or large amount of files
(dvds, M3Ps, etc.) you need more – 60 to 100GB or higher.

Depending on your needs or purpose you will need other Drives such as
DVD/CD.

Processor – The Processor or CPU is the heart of your notebook or
computer. It does the processing and applications. Most people prefer
Intel Pentium Processors; the higher the number the faster it will process!

RAM (random-access-memory) – This is what the computer uses to run
applications and data on your operating system. It’s generally agreed
that you need at least 256MB for Windows XP and Mac OS X. You will only
need 128MB for other operating systems in Windows or Mac.

Video RAM or memory – if game playing or heavy graphic work is the main
purpose of your notebook, check the video RAM. With each new generation
of Notebook Technology – RAM keeps increasing, up to 2GB of RAM in some
machines!

Connections – Until all major connections on notebooks become
standard, and they will over time – you have to check the connections
of the notebook you’re buying. If traveling and portability is the main
reason for buying your notebook – make sure it has the connections you need.

Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity, also known as 802.11b which transfers
data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps for up to 150 feet. There are
two other ways of transferring wireless data: 802.11a up to a maximum of
54Mbps and 802.11g which is hybrid of a and b, it is also capable of 54Mbps.

Some notebooks like the Fujitsu LifeBook N6010, have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g
wireless system!

Battery Life – Check to see what the battery life of your notebook
computer will be – check the cost of an extra battery or a docking station.
Many notebooks come with different batteries, four cell, 6 cell, 8 cell,
etc. – if battery life is important to your needs, get the largest battery.
In most cases, it’s best to buy an extra battery if you will doing a lot
of traveling or ‘in-the-field’ work.

General rule of thumb– the bigger the notebook, the lower the
battery life.

Price/Deal – Shop around before you buy! Old cliches are cliches for
a good reason – they hold a lot of truth. Shop around and check out
the reviews and prices at many stores, online and offline. Do your homework,
read reviews, check out online forums – these places will turn up any problems
of a particular model.

Unless you have a local reputable dealer that gives great service and
support as well as great warranties or guarantees, it may be best to buy
directly from the manufacturer or notebook company.

Why?

Usually, factory outlet prices are the lowest prices you will find.
The dealer also has his/her reputation on the line, if you can’t get
quality service from the primary dealer or maker — you may have a better
recourse or action to take than if you’re dealing with a reseller out
in the boondocks.

The primary producer or maker will have more to lose! So go direct – if
you can and buy from the maker’s factory or online site.

However, don’t always be concerned about getting the best deal or
bargain. As well as the price, support and customer service is also
extremely important – especially if you’re considering buying a notebook
online. Check out the warranty. Things do go wrong – just
make sure your have a recourse that delivers satisfaction.

So remember these seven factors when buying your computer notebook. If you
have to – list them by using your fingers – Size, Hard Drive, Processor,
RAM, Connections, Battery Life, and Price. Just be careful how you point
those fingers as you list off the different factors before your dealer;
armed with the knowledge above there shouldn’t be any need for unnecessary
rudeness or surprises!

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